Janet Barry
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Keep pushing to gain flexibility and range
I’ve been a runner all of my life, and my muscles have always been extremely tight. If you’re a runner too, I’m sure you can identify. However, it’s important not to accept the excuse of simply being a runner because tight muscles can lead to injury. In addition, a lack of flexibility limits you in races such as obstacle courses. Continue reading -
Why You Need a Strong Back for Obstacle Course Racing
Many people suffer from back problems, obstacle course racers included. That is why upper and lower back strength is very important in the sport of obstacle course racing. Obstacles such as the bucket carry, log carry, sled pull, sandbag carry (to name a few) all require back strength and a strong core. Continue reading -
Boston Spartan Race Recap
As I sit on this plane reminiscing about this weekend’s race in Boston, I am reminded of why I train religiously day in and day out and why I choose to live the lifestyle I do. Continue reading -
Drills sharpen your running form
As an elite athlete, I’m always looking for ways to improve and gain an edge on my opponents. At this level, all the women train very hard and are strong, fast and mentally tough. Continue reading -
Mix up your regimen to get stronger in different ways
After tearing my plantar fascia at the Spartan U.S. Championship race on last year, I was sidelined from walking for two weeks and then running for a couple of more. Continue reading -
Grip Strength: The Key to Obstacle Course Racing
The biggest thing I struggled with when I was new to OCR was the amount of grip strength the sport required. Throughout a race, there are multiple obstacles that all require excellent grip strength. Continue reading -
Turn Missteps into Learning Lessons | Spartan Championships
Two weeks before the Spartan U.S. Championship Series in West Virginia (Last weekend of August), I started suffering plantar aching in both feet and sharp pain in my right heel. When I attended the course preview the night before the big race, I wavered on whether to race or not. I felt even more torn because the course was gorgeous —long and not too hilly. Before going to bed that night, I decided to assess my discomfort after my warm-up in the morning. On race day, I taped up both plantar regions for the warm-up. The pump up music was playing in the festival area, the mountains were beautiful and my foot felt OK. With the atmosphere, excitement, my adrenaline pumping and no real pain in my foot (just some general aching in both) I decided I was going to race. Continue reading -
OCR Training: Where to Start?
Have you ever thought of competing in a Spartan race? Spartan races are a series of obstacle course races of varying distance and difficulty, ranging from “Sprint” races (20-23 obstacles over 3-5 miles) to “Super” races (24-29 obstacles over 8-10 miles) to “Beast” races (30-35 obstacles over 12-14 miles). Continue reading -
Eat this. Don’t eat that. Carbs: The good and the bad.
I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s what I’ve learned about healthy eating and what helps me perform as a top-ranked obstacle-course racer. Continue reading -
To Give Anything Less Than Your Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift
Ever since I can remember I’ve been extremely competitive. My parents were both runners and from a very young age I ran in road races, played soccer, cross country skied, hiked, and dabbled in many other sports. My parents never forced me to run or play sports. It was what I loved and what I was very good at. In elementary school, I continuously set the record (and broke my own records) in the mile run, year after year. Continue reading